Bears’ leading tackler Jerrell Freeman suspended four games for PED violation

The Chicago Bears’ season has quickly gone from bad to disastrous in the past week. After watching their star receiver Alshon Jeffery get suspended four games, the Bears have lost yet another key contributor to a quarter-season ban.

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman has been suspended four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy – the same violation that got Jeffery banned.

Freeman issued this statement Monday:

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Freeman, who’s in his first season with the Bears, is fifth in the NFL with 91 tackles and has been a leader on an overwhelmingly weak Chicago defense. He’s also knocked down three passes and made six run stuffs, which is tied for the most in his five-year career.

In addition to losing Freeman, the Bears will likely be without rookie linebacker Leonard Floyd. He left Sunday’s game on a stretcher after a scary tackle attempt. Coach John Fox said Monday that Floyd is doing “much better” and is in concussion protocol.

#Bears LB Jerrell Freeman has been suspended without pay for next four games for violating NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.